The movement of the human soul, and human society in general, from its fallen chaotic state towards divine order is at the heart of the Blog of Padre Pio Press. Writings, ponderings, and reflections on this movement of the soul are authored by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger and by the occasional Guest Contributor. The articles and recordings are relegated to the following areas:
Throughout the Month of May,
Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join In Saying:
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Augustine, What Does “Thy Kingdom Come” Mean?
Question 56
What does “thy kingdom come” mean?
When we say, “Thy kingdom come” – which indubitably shall come whether we desire it or not – we arouse our own desire for that kingdom by saying these words. We pray that it come to us, and we be deemed worthy to reign in it… The coming of the Lord is not loved by anyone who says that it is close at hand or very far off, but by him who, be it far or near, looks forward to it with sincere faith, firm hope, and ardent charity.
from St. […]
St. Augustine, What Does “Hallowed be Thy Name” Mean?
Question 55
What does “hallowed be thy name” mean?
When praying hallowed be thy name, we remind ourselves to aspire to make God’s ever-holy name held as holy by all men. In other words, not scorned, which in any account is more an advantage for men than for God.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Profane not my holy name, that I may be (hallowed) in the midst of the children of Israel. I am the Lord who (hallows) you (Lev 22:32).
In the Our Father, the ‘hallowed be thy name” has three components that are necessary for understanding. First, the “hallowed”. Second, the “be”. Third, the […]
St. Augustine, What Exactly Should We Pray For?
Question 54
If God wants us to ask him for what we need, what precisely is it that we need?
We pray for those things which it is our duty to ask for what we should not hesitate to ask, neither for ourselves, for our friends, and strangers, and yes, even for enemies…If we pray correctly…we pray for nothing except that which makes up the Lord’s Prayer.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
When we pray, we are to pray to God. We may pray to God through a mediator, asking them to obtain for us this or […]
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Flevit super illam, Enrique Simonet, 1892
Transcription of Audio
Translation of the Epistle for the Nine for Sunday after Pentecost
Brethren: We should not lust after evil things even as they lusted. And do not become idolaters, even as some of them were, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, even as some […]